11:11:11

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

With these words President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed in 1919 that November 11 would be observed as Armistice Day. Through the years that followed the event was observed on differing days and affected by different government Acts,but in 1975 President Gerald Ford signed into law the return to November 11 of this important date. Veterans Day, of historic and patriotic significance, was set at the same date each year, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.

According to the Veterans Administration, the restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

I have heard it said that at 11:11:11 we should observe a moment of silence to honor those who have served our country.

As a writer who loves and deals with history, I will take that moment, and probably a few more after that, to remember and reflect on those who have served in the Armed Forces. You can bet at 11:11:11 today I will stop whatever I am doing and say a silent THANK YOU to those brave men and women who’ve given of themselves.

KW

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